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QB's six TD passes lead North Dakota past PSU

The Portland State Vikings lost 45-37 at new Big Sky member North Dakota on Saturday in a pre-conference season game.

PSU (1-1) will play at Washington next Saturday. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at CenturyLink Field.

North Dakota improved to 2-0 thanks largely to quarterback Marcus Hendrickson, who threw for six touchdowns in his first start. Receiver Greg Hardin caught touchdown passes of 66, 26, and 49 yards from Hendrickson in the first 24 minutes.

The lead changed hands six times during that span, and the Vikings were in it until North Dakota gradually opened up a lead that grew to 45-24 late in the third quarter.

The Viks pulled to within 45-37 with 2:28 left, but couldn't get the ball back.

PSU's DJ Adams ran 16 times for 144 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Justin Monahan caught six balls for 156 yards and two touchdowns and had 226 all-purpose yards. QB Kieran McDonagh, in his second game, completed 21 of 42 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions.

Khalil Bass led the Vikings with eight tackles. Ian Sluss had seven tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.

Hendrickson completed 16-25 passes for 294 yards. He also rushed for 50 yards. Hardin caught six passes for 190 yards.